"Binangkal" downs 12 in San Fernando

CEBU, Philippines - The victims were rushed to Carcar City District Hospital after they complained of headache and stomachache minutes after eating “binangkal”, a Filipino recipe of round-shaped fried bread rolled with sesame seeds.

The victims, who all came from Barangay Greenhills, San Fernando, were identified as Zenna Jhedes Bernabe, 2; Brian Kim Bernabe, 22; Alyssa Kim Alipoyo, 20; Lady Love dela Peña, 9; Daryl Ganayas, 11; Ian Genon, 7; Andre Jafit Genon, 9; Khenjee Alinsonoren, 12; John Icey Genayas, 12; Calnesim Mancao, 15, Blessvi Mae dela Cerna, 13; and Cristita Bernabe, 69.

Dr. Prudencio Manubag, chief of hospital, has already declared all the victims out of danger but needs to be confined for further observation. The victims were initially diagnosed to have suffered from mild poisoning. Manubag said it may have been caused by a contaminated flour or baking soda.

Manubag said they have already submitted a sample of the “binangkal” to the Provincial Health Office for laboratory examination. Cristita said it was her who cooked the bread last Wednesday because her friends Jesi and Lorna ordered several pieces of binangkal from her. Cristita said the other victims are her grandchildren and relatives who also partake of the bread in excess of the order.

 According to Cristita, one of her grandchildren complained that the bread tasted bitter but she did not mind thinking that it may just be overcooked.

However, 30 minutes later all of those who have eaten the bread started to complain of stomachache and headache while some were already vomiting.

Cristita believes that the spoiled flour which she used in baking the bread may have caused the poisoning.

Selling binangkal serves Cristita’s source of income. In fact, it has been her family’s livelihood since she was still young. (FREEMAN)